Exploring the link between sexual orientation, work-life balance satisfaction and work-life segmentation

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to, using several cycles of the Canadian General Social Survey (GSS) covering 2010–2015, examine the patterns of work-life balance (WLB) satisfaction and work-life segmentation by sexual orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, multivariate regression analysis is used.

Findings

The analysis shows that men living with a male partner are more satisfied with their WLB than their heterosexual counterparts. No statistically significant difference is found between women who live with a female partner and their heterosexual counterparts, in WLB satisfaction. Work-life segmentation is operationalized by the odds of being at the top levels of the life satisfaction scale without being satisfied with the circumstances of one’s job. Controlling for a wide range of characteristics, working Canadians living with a same-sex partner, regardless of their genders, are found more likely to have segmented their work and life domains than their heterosexual counterparts.

Originality/value

The paper, for the first time, investigates how sexual orientation relates to WLB satisfaction and work-life segmentation. This study exploits a unique opportunity offered by the Canadian GSSs in which WLB satisfaction is directly surveyed, all the while partnered sexual minorities are identifiable.

Citation

Dilmaghani, M. (2020), "Exploring the link between sexual orientation, work-life balance satisfaction and work-life segmentation", International Journal of Manpower, Vol. 41 No. 6, pp. 693-715. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJM-10-2018-0313